A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

But her hardest task is in the loving and thankful bearing of Reproof, which is a bitter pill to flesh and blood, especially when there is a proud and contentious spirit. But herein she ought to consider, that she is not without infirmities; which as none hath so much opportunity to see, so none is so much obliged to represent unto her, as her Husband. And to answer him with a froward tongue, or a cloudy brow, or a careless negligence, is the greatest ingratitude and discouragement in the world. But if her heart be full of Reverence to him, and especially if she believe his heart to be full of love to her, this pill will be well digested, and by the blessing of God work a real amendment in her.

3. The Real effects of the Wife's Reverence to her Husband is seen in her Behaviour towards him, which ought always to be cheerful and respectful. She must not allow or nourish that crossness of humour to be sullen or dumpish, when he is pleasant; or on the contrary contemptuously frolic, when he is sad: but must^(u) compose her carriage, her garments, her converse to give him content, and to increase his delight in her. For if his heart be once estranged from her, unless the fear of God with-hold him, he may quickly render her condition unspeakably miserable. She ought therefore always to express Contentedness in her estate, and that will help and move him to be content in his. She must entertain him into his House with a^(x) cheerful countenance, that he may delight to be at home: and study the arts how to pacify him, if ought have provoked him: or how to convince and reform him, if ought have insnared him. She must observe when and how his meals, his clothes, his lodging do please him, and show the greatness of her respect in these lesser things. For even about such things arise the most frequent and sharp contests; which a discreet and godly woman will labour to prevent, not only because disquiets do^(y)